Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Robinson Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to reduce rates of childhood obesity.

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

8. What steps he is taking to reduce rates of childhood obesity.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Steve Brine)]

This June we published chapter 2 of the childhood obesity plan, which built on the world-leading measures we introduced in 2016 and included bold plans to halve childhood obesity by 2030. Our consultations on banning energy drinks and on calorie labelling are now open. Later this year we will be consulting on promotion and marketing restrictions, including suggestions of a 9 pm watershed.

[Steve Brine]

I can, and the plan covers many Departments, which was why I recently announced the trailblazer programme to support innovative local action with local authorities. That has the commitment of key policy teams across many Departments to support participating councils to harness the potential of what they can do and learn from others.

[Mary Robinson]

One in five children in Greater Manchester are classified as overweight or obese, but Prospect Vale Primary School in Heald Green is just one of the schools in my constituency that are getting on and getting moving through the Daily Mile campaign. Will the Minister join me in welcoming that initiative, which brings daily fun and fitness into schools? As more and more adults use wristbands to help them to get fit, what consideration is being given to the use of technology, such as in the UK Fit Kids programme?

[Steve Brine]

Like my hon. Friend, I pay tribute to Prospect Vale. I have many similar examples in Winchester. We absolutely recognise the importance of physical activity in tackling obesity, which is why as part of chapter 2 we are promoting a new national ambition for all primary schools in England to adopt an active mile initiative.